While learning and discussing traditional ecological knowledge for the past few weeks, I wondered how ecological thinking had recently been embraced in Western mainstream academia and schools. In Western academia and public discourse, the concept of ecology seems to be applied more practically, rather than philosophically. As one example, I like to point out Daniel Goleman’s notion of Ecological Intelligence; it emphasizes the enhanced awareness of environments, which may be different, to some extent, from indigenous ecological thinking and living based upon a fundamental harmony between the land and the human. Goleman defines Ecological Intelligence as “the ability to adapt to our ecological niche” and argues that “an all-encompassing sensibility can let us see the interconnections between our actions and their hidden impacts on the planet, our health, and our social systems”.

Although it is not certain if Goleman’s writings are influenced by indigenous ecological knowledge, his concept of Ecological Intelligence seems to present how the Western industrialist way of thinking is negotiated by an ecological approach. That is, I would suspect that Western adoption of ecological thinking as shown in the concept of Emotional Intelligence may stem from a practical purpose (such as “safe” development; eventually for continuation of the industrialized world) rather than a fundamental harmony with the nature.

Goleman’s web-site of Ecological Intelligence does have some video resources (such as his PBS interview), yet it mainly aims to promote and sell his books and ideas. It appears that the site itself is an example of how ecological knowledge is commodified within the mainstream Western knowledge system.

Ky (Module 3: #2)

Indigenous Knowledge Commons is an ongoing project which provides resources for a better understanding and application of indigenous forms of knowing. It includes the section of showcases in which indigenous art and outreach courses are introduced for application to classrooms. Furthermore, its Tools and Resources Section shows examples of how technology can be integrated into indigenous knowledge, by using such tools as Google Maps.

I am not sure if those examples are fully successful in preserving Indigenous Knowledge through new technology, but at least they provide a way of thinking about co-existence of indigenous knowledge and Western technology.

The web-site appears to be under construction and it is not officially launched. However, the resources on this web-site seem worth reading, especially because they touch on our Week 7 reading/discussion about indigenous knowledge.

Ky (Module 3: #1)

Throughout Module 3, we’ve been asked approach indigenous research cautiously, and warned of how traditional academic research techniques might not work.

During searches “research tips for First Nations studies”, I discovered that Simon Fraser University offers an entire certificate program on First Nations Research Studies.

Certificate in First Nations Studies Research

“The certificate is well suited for aboriginal individuals who wish to gain an understanding of native issues and social research skills which can be put to use in their communities and nations. The certificate is also open to non-aboriginal students.”

There seems to be a program for just about anything these days.